Air flow with automatic pressure regulation



Patented July 11, I933 narra e STATES nn nr-sr DAVIS, or SYRACUSE, new YORK;

'assrenon ro arr-in Pn osrnnrrv COMPANY rim, or svnacusn, nnwyonx, A conronarron-or new YonK' P TENT 'me AIR FLOW WITH AUTOMATIC PRESSURE REGUIiATION Application filed Sept-ember 2, 1930.- Serial No. 479,311.

This invention relates to pressing machines as garment or laundry presses. I p r The principal object of the invention is to provideapressing machine which may be closed under pressure and which is provid- 7 pressing elements and for rendering the secnd motor inoperative when the -air blowing means is set inoperation. Y 7

A further object of the invention isto provide a pressing machine, having a two-step operation, with means for blowing air through one. of the pressing elements and for automatically returning the press operating means to the first degree of pressure when the means for blowing air are operated. Y

Other objects and advantages will appear and will be pointed out as the description proceeds. 7 V

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations and constructions hereinafter set forth'and'claimed. i

In describing this invention,' reference is.

had to the accompanying drawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a garment or ironing machine to which the invention has been applied. Various parts have been carried outside of the normal press structure in order that the structuremay be more clearly shown, diagrammatically.

Fi nre 2 is a. dia rammatic View mostl 2-: 6 7

is controlled.

flow of air through one of'the pressing jaws The invention is 1 designed primarily for use with pressing machines of the type shown in Figure 1 in whicha pressing head 10 is secured toa yoke 11 which is mounted at 12 on an upstanding portion ofa pressing ma: chinev frame 18. Thepressing head 10 moves into and out of contactwith a fixed pressing elementor buck 14 mounted on a support 15 which issecured to the pressing machine frame13.- I V e A bell crank is pivotally mounted at 21 on the pressing machine frame 13. The bell crank 20 is rocked about its pivot point 21 by" l a fluid motor 23 which ispivotally connected at 24 to the pressing machine frame 13. A piston rod 25, of thefluid motor 23, is pivotally connected at 26 to the forwardlyextending arm of; the loellcrankv 20. The bell crank 20 is pivotally connected at the end of its upwardlyfextending, arm at 28 to a link 30 which is pivotally. connected at 31 to the yoke 11.

crank 20 ,form a toggle and the fluid motor 23 rocks the bell crank 20 in a counter-clockwise direction in Figure 1, to straighten'the toggle to. apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements 10 and" 1 1.. An arm 85.

formed Ontlie upper end of'the link 20 is pivotally connectedat 36'to a piston rod 37 of afluid motor 40. The fluid motor 4Ois pivotally connected 811141 to the pressing ma-.

he link 30 and upstanding arm of thebell chine frame 1.3. The fluid motor 40 is operatedto bring the-pressing elements together underinitial light pressure. Springs 44 and 15 are connected to the pressing machine frame 13 and to the bell crank20 and v yoke 11 respectively tomove the press into open position when the pressure in theifiuid mo tors 23 and tOisreleased. I p

The mechanism thus far described is of the conventionaltype and forms no part per se ofthe present invention.

Operating mechanism for light; pressure Means are provided to close the press under initial flight pressure and such means preferably include a pedal formed on the end of a foot operated lever 51' which is pivoted at 52 to thepressingmachine frame 13. An operating link 54,13 pivotallyconnected at 55 to the foot operated lever 51. A spring 56 is interposed between a cross member 419 of the pressing machine frame 13 and a collar 57 which is rigidly secured to the operating link 54. This spring 56 normally holds the operating link 54 down and moves the foot operated lever 51 until an adjustable stop such as a set screw 59, mounted in the foot operated lever 51, contacts with a stop 60. /Vhen the pedal 50 is moved downwardly the spring 56 will be compressed and a latch member 62, which is pivotally mounted at 63 on the foot operated lever 51, contacts with the latch 64 to hold the pedal 50 down against the tension of the spring 56.

The operating'link 54 transmits motion of the foot operated lever 51to a 'bell'crank 66 which is pivotally mounted at 67 on a bracket 68 formed adjacentto'valve casings 70 and 71. The valve casing 71 contains a normally closed intake valve 72 and a normally open exhaust valve 73 which are secured together intake valve7 2 when the pedal 50 is depressed.

The purpose of the exhaust valve 77 isto require the closing of the pressunder init al light pressurebefore the application of final heavy pressure as will be more fully explained hereinafter; V

WVhen the pedal'50-is depressed to operate the valves in the valve casings 70 and 71, working fluid such as air will flow from a fluid supply line 82, around the open intake valve 72, through the valve casing? 1, and

through a conduit 84, to'the fluid motor 40.

-The fluid motor 40 includes a cylinder 85 having a piston 86 therein which is rigidly secured to the piston'rod 37. When working fluid is supplied through the conduit 84 to the cylinder 85 of the fluid motor 40, the piston 86 andpiston rod 87 will be moved upwardly to actuate the yoke, 11 to bring the pressing head" 10 into, or substantially into,

- contactwith the buck 14:. If theoperatordoes not remove his hands from the buck 14 before the fluid motor l0closes thepress, no injury,

will result since the pressure exerted. by the fluid motor 40 on the pressing head 10 is not sufflcient to cause injury.

Operating mechanism for final hecwy presure Y Final heavy pressure is applied by operating the fluid motor28 andthe control means for operating this motor are of the two-hand control type so that it is necessary for the op erator to remove both hands from between the pressing elements before final heavy pressure can be applied. The two-hand controlmechanism includes a valve casing 90 which contains a check valve '91 through which air may pass from the valve casing 90, but which will prevent back flow of air into the valve casing, 90. A spring 92 holds the check valve 91 in normal closed position. The valve casing 90 also contains an exhaust valve 93 having a stem "94 which projects through the end of the valve casing 90 and against'which a handle 95 operates to close the exhaust valve 93. A spring 96 normally holds the handle 95 in position so that the exhaust valve 93 may remain open.

The secondvalve casing of the two-hand control'means is indicated as'98 and contains a normally closed intake valve 99, and a normally open exhaust valve 100'which are secured to a spacer rod 101 so that they operate as a'unit. A spring103 holds the valves 99 and 100 innormal position The exhaust valve 100 is provided with a valve stem 104. which projects through the end of the valve casing 98 and a handle 105 operates against theend of the valvestem 104 to move the valves 99 and 100 into operated position. A

valve 99, through the valve casing 98, and

through a conduit112 which connects the valve casing 98 with thevalvecasing 90. Unless the handle 95 has been operated to close the exhaust valve 98, working fluid from the pipe .112 will exhaust past the open exhaust valve 93. Thus, it is necessary that both handles 95and l05' be operated if the fluidmotor 23 is to be operated, If the exhaust valve93 is closed, working fluid from the pipe 112 may pass through the valve casing 90, around the check valve 91,, and

through a pipe 114 tothe diaphragm chamher 115 to operate a diaphragm 116 which is located in the diaphragm chamber 115.

'The diaphragm 116 operates a plunger 117 which projects through the end of the. casing 115 into contact witha rocker arm 120. The

diaphragm chamber 115 is formed as a part of a valve casing 122 and a duct 123 connects the pressure side of the diaphragm casing 115 with the interior of the valve casing 122. The valve casing 122 contains a normally closed intake valve 125 and a normally open exhaust valve 126 whichare joined together by aspacer rod-128 so that they operate as and 126 in normal position. The exhaust valve 126 is provided with a valve stem 130 with which'the rocker arm contacts to operate the valves and 126 in the valve casing 122 when pressure is supplied through the pipe 114 to the diaphragm chamber 115.

'A pressure regulating or reducing valve is connected by a pipe 141 with the pipe 110. A valve head 143 is mounted in the easing of the pressure regulating valve 140 and a valve stem 144 isconnected to a diaphragm 145 which is normally held in position by a spring 146 so that the valve 143 is norm-ally open to permit air to pass from the pipe 141' and through the valve casing 140. When the pressure reaches a predetermined amount the diaphragm 145 will be moved upwardly against the tension of the spring 146 and the valve head 143 will be closed and will cut off the flow of air through the pressure regulating valve 140. When the pressure dr0ps,the spring 146 will move back the diaphragm 145 to again open the valve 143. Screw means 148 are provided to adjust the'tension of the spring 146 and thus regulate the pressure of the air which can pass through the pressure regulating valve 140.

The operating handle 105 should be depressed and quickly released so that the intake valve 99 will be opened for a moment only. A momentary. charge "of air is suit ficient to operate the diaphragm 116 and thereafter'the handles 95 and 105 may be released." If the handles 95 and 105 areheld' down for a longer period, air at supply preswhereby the motor would apply a greater pressure between the press jaws thanwould be expected because of the pressure regulating valve 140. l 1 p The discharge side of the pressureregui lating valve 140 is connected by a pipe 150 with the intake end of the valve casing 122. When the valves 125 and 126 in the valve casing 122 are in operative position, working fluid from the pressure regulating valve 140 will flow through the pipe 150, around'the open intake valve 125, and through'a' pipe 151, to the pipe 152 which supplies working fluid to the fluid motor 23. The fluid motor 23 includes a cylinder 154 havinga piston 155 therein which is rigidly secured to the piston rod 25. When working fluid is thus supplied to the cylinder 154, the piston 155 and piston rod 25 will move downwardly to I operate the bell crank'20, link 30, and yoke 11, to apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements. It should be noted that working fluid supplied through the pipe 151 to the pipe 152 will exhaust through a pipe unless the exhaust valve 77 in the valve cas ing 70 has previously been closed by operation of the pedal 50 which controlsthe clo'sing of the press under initial light pressure. It is necessary therefore, that the operator depress the pedal 50 to close the press-before applying final heavy pressure with the control handles 95 and 105.

' Air Z Z0w ng means Means are provided for blowing air through one of the pressing elements such as the buck 14,-which is constructed with an air blowingchamber 165 covered by a perforated plate 166. This construction of the buck is conventional and; air is supplied to I the chamber l65rthr ough' a pipe 168; Valve .means, such as a poppet valve170 in the top of-the pipe 168, are provided to control'the flow of air through the pipe. 168. The valve 170 has a long stem 172 which projects downwardly through the pipe 168 and through the branch connection 17 4-and a suitable stuffing box 17 5. A collar portion 176 is formed on the lowerend of the valve stem 172 and a spring 17 7 located betweenthe collar portion 1 176 and the stuifing box 175, normally holds the valve 17 0' closed.

A bracket180 is secured below the branch 1 connection 174 and supports a diaphragm chamber 182 which contains a diaphragm 183.

A plunger extends-through the top of the diaphragm chamber 182 an'd contacts with the collar portion 17 6 ofthevalve stem .172.

JVhe n pressure is suppliedto the diaphragm' chamber 182, the diaphragm 183 will be moved upwardly to raise the plunger 185 andv valve stem 172, against the tension of the spring 177 to open the valve 170.

The supply of working fiuid to the dia- I phragm chamber 182 tooperate the diaphragm 183 iscontrolled by'a'handle 188. 8

This handle 188 operates the valves in'avalve casing 190 which contains a normally closed intakevalve 191 and a norinally open exjoined by aspa'cer rod 193 so that they operate as a unit. A spring 194 holds the valves 191=and 192 in normal position. The

vhaust valve 192. The valves 191' and 192 are V valve 192is provided with a valve stem 195 which projects throughtheend of the valve casing190. A rocker arm 197 is rigidly con-s i nected to "the handle 188 and is pivoted on the valve casing 190 and movable into engagement with the valve stem 195 to move the same to operate the valves 190m 192. A diaphragm chamber 198 is located in the lower part of the valve casing190 and contains a diaphragm 199 which operates a plunger 200. The plunger 200 extends through-the front end of the diaphragm chamber 198- and contacts with an abutment screw 202mounted on the rocker arm 197 A duct 205 connects the interior of the valve casing 190, at a point between the valves- 191 and 192, with the diaphragm chamber 198 and working fluid is supplied through 1 this duct 205130 operate the diaphragm 199 to move the plunger 200 and lock the rocker arm 19.7 and valves 191' and 192 in operated position. lVorkingfluid is supplied to the valve casing 190 through a pipe .207 which connects with the pipe 84. The valve casing 190 is connected at a point midway between the valves 191 and 192, by a pipe 208 to the diaphragm chamber 182.

When the handle 188 s raised the valves in the valve casing 190 will be operated to open the intake valve 191 and close, the .ex- 7 ha-ust valve 192. It the press has been closed under initial light pressure and the pipe 81 i is therefore in communicationiwith the fluid supply line 82, working fluid will flow from the pipe 81, through the pipe,207,-around the open intake valve 191, through the valve casing 190, and through the pipe 208, to the diaphragm chamber 182 to operate the diaphragm 188 therein and raise the plunger 185 and valve stem 17 2 to open thevalve 170.

Vhen the valve170 is open air/from the blower 210 will pass through the pipe 212, branchconnection 174, and pipe 168,.to the air blowing chamber 165 from which it will pass through the perforated plate 166 and through the workon the buck.

The pipe 212 may be connected toeither method is usedwith the'automatic operating mechanism of this invention.

Since it is impossible to eflectively blow air ,when the pressing elements are together under heavy pressure, time may be saved by' providing means to automatically place the pressing elements under lightpressure when the control means for blowing air are operated, and this means includes a cylinder 220 havinga-piston222 therein. A piston rod 225 is rigidly connected to the piston 222 whiclrprojectsthrough the cylinder 220 so that its end contacts with the rocker arm 120 when the piston 222 is operated. A pipe 230 connects the cylinder 220 with the pipe208 and when the control handle 188 is operated to supply working fluid through the pipe 208 to the diaphragm chamber 182, working fluid will also be supplied to the cylinder 220. When working fluid is supplied to the cylinder 220 the piston 222 and piston rod 225 will be moved to bring the end portion 226 into contact with the rocker arm 120 to move the rocker arm into inoperative position, against the pressure or the diaphragm 116, and permit the spring 129 to restore the valves 125 and 126 to normal position. hen

the valve 126 is opened, working fluid from the fluid motor 23' will escape through pipes 152 and 151, valve casing 122, and past the open exhaust valve 126. Since the fluid m0- tor 23 applies final heavy pressure-t0 the pressing elements, the opening of the exhaust valve 126 automatically renders the fluid motor-23' inoperative and restores the pressing elements to a condition of light pressure. I

A pressure'gauge 2 10 may be connected by a pipe 215 with the pipe 152 to indicate the pressure of the working fluid in the cylinder 154 of the fluidmotor 23. If this pressure is not correct the pressure regulating valve 140 may be adjusted by means of the screw 148.

Operation of machine The machine is initially closed under light pressure by depressing the pedal 50 which closesthe exhaust valves 73 and 77 and opens the intake valve 72. The latch member 62 cooperates with the'latchfi tohold the pedal 50 in'operated position. l Vorking fluid from the fluid supply line 82 will flow around the open intake valve 72, through the valve casing 71 and pipe 84 to the cylinder 85 to operate the fluid motor 40 and bring the press ing elements togetherunder initial light-pressure.

Heavy pressure is applied by actuating the handles 95 and 105. Qperation-of the handle105 opens the intakevalve 99 and permits working fluid to flow from the fluid supply line 82 through the pipe. 110, aroundthe open intake valve 99, through the valve casing 98',- pipe 112,-valve casing 90, past the check valve 91', and "through. the :pipe 114, to the diaphragm chamber 115. This supply ofworking fluid to the diaphragm chamber 115 operates the diaphragm 116to move the plunger 117 and rocker arm 120 toopen' the valve 125 and close. the valve 126 in the valve casing 122. The opening ottheintake valve 125 permits working fluid to flow from the pressureregulating valve 140, around the open intake valve 125, hrough valve casing 122, and through the-pipes- 151 and. 152 to the cylinder 154i- .tooperate the fluid motor 23 and apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements;

The press may be opened without making useof the air blowing means. If the operator releases *the latchme'mber 62 the spring .56 will restore the foot operated lever'51 to normal position and. permit the exhaust valves 7 3 and 77 to open. WVorking fluid from the fluid motor 23' will then exhaust through the pipe 152, pipe 160, and valve'casing past the open exhaust valve '77. Working fluid from the fluid motor 40 will exhaust through the pipe'8 l, and valve casing 70 past the open exhaust valve 73. The supply of working fluid tothe fluid motor 4:0 will be cut off when the exhaust valve 73opens since the exhaust valve 77 is opened and the pressure:

in the pipes 151, 152 and 160 drops. A drop in the pressure in the pipe 151 will cause a reduction in the pressure in the valve'easing 122 and working fluid in the diaphragmchamber 115 will. escape through the duct 123, thus reducing the pressure behind the diaphragm 116 and permitting'the' spring 129 to move the intake valve 125 into closed position. The closing of the intake valve 125 will open the exhaust valve 126 to which it is rigidlyconnected by the'spacer rod 128 and theopen exhaust valve 126 will provide another means for escape of working fluid from the fluid motor 23.

If the operator wishes to blow air vhe will move the handle 188 to operate the valves in the valve casing 190 and open the intake valve 191. Working fluid from the pipe 84 will flow through the pipe 207,-around the open intake valve 191, through the valve casing 190, and pipe 208, to the diaphragm chamber 182 to operate the diaphragm 183 therein and open the valve 170, as previously described. When the valve 170 is opened air may blow through the pipe 212, branch connection 174;, pipe 168, air blowing chamber 165, and perforated plate 166 on which the padding of the buck is supported. When the handle 188 is operated to supply work ing' fluid throughthe pipe 208 to the diaphragm chamber 182, working fluid will also be supplied through the pipe 230 to the cylinder 220 and the piston 222 and piston rod 225 will be operated to move the rocker arm 120 away from the valve stem 130 and permit the spring 129 to restore the valves 125 and 126 to normal open press position. The closing of the intake valve 125 cuts off the supply of working fluid to the fluid motor 23 and the opening of the exhaust valve 126 permits Working fluid to escape from the fluid motor 23, thus rendering the fluid motor 23 inoperative and restoring the pressing elements to a condition of light pressure.

After the air blowing operation, the operator may open the press by releasing the latch member 62, as previously described.

From the foregoing descri-ptionit will be apparent that I have devise-d a pressing machine having air blowing means and means for automatically operating the control mechanism so that the pressing elements will be closed under initial pressure only when the air blowing means go into operation.

The invention is illustrated in its prefer red embodiment but various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

' What I claim is: r

1. In a pressing machine in'combination cooperating pressing elements one 'ofv whlch is movable with respect to the other; press operating mechanism to actuate the movable pressing element and operable to success1vely close the press under an initial light degree of pressure and a final heavy pressure; means for causingacurrent of air to pass through one of the pressing elements; and Y heavy pressure release means operated by operation of the air current causing means to reduce the pressure exerted by the press operating mechanism to the initial light pressure. i v "2. In a pressing machine in combination cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other; press operating mechanism to actuate the movable pressing element including first motor means for closing the press under initial light pressure, and second motor means for closing the press under final heavypressure; means for causing a current of air to pass through one of the pressing elements; release means to render the second motor means inoperative to apply pressure to the pressing elements and connections between the air current causing means and the release means'so that operation of said air current causing means will operate said release means. i

3. In a pressing machine in combination pressing element including motor means;

means forcausing a current of air to pass through oneof the pressing elements; and

meanscontrolled by the air current causing 105 to the motor means and exhaust working means to cut off the supply of Working fluid fluid from the motor means.

1. In a pressing machine in combinationcooperating pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other; press operating mechanism to actuate the movable pressing element including a fluid motor; valve means'to control the flow of working fluid to and from the motor; means for causing a current of air to pass through one of the pressing elements; and motor means operated by the pressure caused by the air current to operate the valve means to cut off the supply of working fluid to the motor and to open an exhaust for working fluid from the motor. 1

1 5. In a pressing machine in combination cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other; press operating mechanism to actuate the movable pressing element including a first fluid motor to close thevpress under initial light pressure; a second fluid motorto close the press under final heavy pressure; valve means to control the flow of working fluid to the motors; meansfor causing a current of airto pass through one of the pressing ele-- ments; and means controlled by the air current means to operate the valve means to cut off the supply of working fluid to' the second fiuidflmotor and open an exhaust for working fluid from said second fluid motor so asto decrease the pressure between the pressing elements.

46. Ina pressing machine in combination cooperating pressing elements one of which is movablewith respect to the other; press operating mechanism to actuate the movable pressing element including motor means; means for causing a current of air to pass through one of the pressing elements; control devices for the air current means including a valve and anair conduit; control means for the motor means; and mechanism operated by air pressure in said air conduit for operating the control means of the motor means to reduce the pressure exerted by the motor means on the pressing elements.

7. In a pressing machine in combination cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other; operating mechanism to actuate the movable pressing element including a motor for applying heavy pressure to the pressing elements; valve means for controlling thefiow of working fluid to and from the motor; means for blowing air through one of the pressing elements; and pressure operated mechanism associated with the valve means and operated by air pressure from theair blowing means,

when-the same are operated to blow air, to actuate the valve means to cutoff the supply of working fluid to the motor and openan exhaust for working fluid from the motor sothat the motor becomes inoperative to apply pressure to the pressing elements.

8. In a pressing machine in combination cooperating pressing elements, one of which ismovable with respectto the other operating mechanism to actuate the movable press ing element including first motormeans for closing the press under initial light pressure and second motor means for closing the press under final heavy pressure; valve means to control the supply f working fluid to the first motor means; other valve means to control the flow o'fworking fluid to and from the second motor means; and means for locking said other valvemeans in op erated position in which working fluid is prevented from exhausting from the second motor means; means forcausi-ng'acurrent of air to. pass through one of the pressing elements; and a third motor means connected with the air current means and operated by the pressure therein for releasing the locking means so that said other valve means will cut off the flow of working fluid to the second motor means and permit Working fluid to exhaust therefrom. V

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name, at Syracuse in the county of Onondaga, and State of New York, this 29th day of-August, 1930.

' ERNEST DAVIS. 

